"The unfolding of your words gives light ..." (Psalm 119:130a)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“Notice the pronouns: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.’ This is no theoretical discussion. Because the possibilities are personal, so must be the pledge of trust. In ‘the valley of the shadow’ a second-hand faith will not do … Till you take a long, hard look at ‘the valley of the shadow,’ until you can also feel its cold, damp dew upon your brow, you may be content with a borrowed faith. But once you’ve been near enough to feel death’s chill run up your spine, second-hand faith will never again satisfy.” (Song of a Satisfied Soul, pp.60-61)